1. Pop-Tart inventor William ‘Bill’ Post
2. Pop-Tart inventor William ‘Bill’ Post dies.
Remembering William “Bill” Post: The Man Behind the Pop-Tart
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — William “Bill” Post, the genius inventor who brought us the beloved breakfast treat, the Pop-Tart, has passed away at the age of 96.
Bill Post, a Grand Rapids native and the son of Dutch immigrants, led a remarkable life filled with innovation and accomplishment. After graduating from Grand Rapids Christian High School and serving in the Army Air Corps, he attended Calvin College for two years before embarking on his journey with the Keebler Company (formerly known as Hekman Biscuit Company).
At just 16 years old, Post started his career at Keebler by washing trucks. By the age of 21, he was working full-time as the personnel manager and eventually became the plant manager. It was during this time that Kellogg’s approached Keebler in search of a treat that could be toasted. Within a short four months, Bill Post and his team created the iconic Pop-Tart.
Even though the early versions of the Pop-Tart were not perfect, Bill’s son, Dan Post, recalls being the taste tester for his father’s creations. They started off a little cardboard-like, but with each iteration, they improved.
But Bill Post was so much more than just the inventor of a delicious pastry. To his friends and family, he was simply known as sweet, old Bill. His son reminisces about the adventures they shared together, biking through the flatlands of the Netherlands.
After leaving Keebler, Bill Post relocated to Illinois with his family to work at the company’s corporate offices. He eventually retired and returned to his hometown of Grand Rapids in 2003. Despite his numerous accomplishments, Bill remained a humble man of faith with a servant’s heart.
Bill Post’s impact extended beyond the kitchen. He often shared the story of the Pop-Tart’s creation with young people in classrooms, using it as a testament to God’s goodness and bringing along a never-ending supply of Pop-Tarts to share.
Bill Post is survived by his two children, as well as several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They all keep a box of Pop-Tarts in their cupboards as a way to remember their beloved grandpa.
In May, Netflix will release “Unfrosted: The Pop-Tart Story,” a film that delves into the invention of this iconic treat. Bill Post was aware of the movie and expressed his excitement to watch it with his son. He was amazed at the lasting impact the Pop-Tart had made over the past 60 years.
Today, we bid farewell to a man whose creativity and ingenuity brought joy to countless breakfast tables around the world. William “Bill” Post will forever be remembered as the genius behind the Pop-Tart, but his true legacy lies in the memories he created with his family and friends.
Taylor Morris contributed to this report.
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– Pop-Tart inventor William ‘Bill’ Post dies at 96
– Pop-Tart inventor William ‘Bill’ Post passes away at 96.
